California Black Bottom Pie

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together chocolate chips and butter. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water until dissolved. Add to the melted chocolate and butter and stir until thickened. Pour into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add softened cream cheese and beat until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and beat until mixture is smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer in the pie crust.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pie is set and golden brown on top. Let cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• This pie was invented in California in the 1940s.
• It is a cross between a cheesecake and a chocolate pie.
• This pie is often served with a dollop of whipped cream.